Award-winning pianist broadens musical horizons at Xavier
February 27, 2024
By Jayla Redding, Staff Writer
An evening of musical artistry unfolded inside Xavier’s music building on Monday, January 29. The Blanche M. Francis recital hall buzzed with anticipation as Dr. Qifan Wu took the stage, bringing to life the timeless compositions of iconic maestros such as George Frideric Handel, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, and Franz Schubert.
“Piano is my passion. When I was young, I dreamed of playing these pieces. After two years, I mastered them,” said Wu, a professor of practice in Piano Performance at Loyola University New Orleans. “With this opportunity to share my passion, I am reaching local students and expressing the music I prefer,” Wu said.
His performance demonstrated precision but also a deep understanding and emotional connection to the pieces he played. The audience was taken on a musical journey, experiencing the beauty and complexity of each composer’s work.
The recital contained a blend of new compositions and beloved repertoire beginning with G major and E minor keys, then ending in a D-flat major and C major, overall, showcasing a unique scheme that Wu dedicated the audience.
“The Franz Liszt piece is very special to me because that’s a piece I devote to my audience, and I believe most of the audience will love it,” Wu said.
The recital served as a musical exchange between Loyola University and Xavier University, displaying Wu’s talent and expertise, while fostering collaboration and appreciation for classical music within the academic community. The event attracted a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, students, and faculty, encouraging a vibrant and supportive atmosphere within the college community.
“Performances like this give us a taste of the incredible talent we have in the city and the variety of different musical styles in a way that students can get access to very easily,” De. Sakinah Davis, an assistant professor in Xavier’s Department of Music. “For students, especially in music classes, it’s very informative because they’re seeing what they’re learning in action,” Davis said.
Wu amazed many attendees when they discovered the extensive dedication he has given to the piano throughout his life–21 years of playing. He has also received numerous awards and scholarships in addition to winning the Doris Pridonoff Lehnert Piano Scholarship, and global competitions.
The Department of Music hopes to create a love for the classical arts by providing students with opportunities to engage with world-class performers like Wu whose performances have spanned from Asia to New Orleans.
“Witnessing such an accomplished musician like Dr. Qifan Wu inspires Xavierites and myself to be just as dedicated to our studies as he is to playing the piano,” said Cailon Clark, a first-generation student minoring in music.
